Plushenko

Plushenko, Evgeni Sergeyevich Plushenko, born November 27, 1982, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), is a Russian former competitive figure skater. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished male skaters in the history of the sport. Over a career spanning the late 1990s through the 2010s, Plushenko won numerous major titles, including Olympic, World, and European championships, and was renowned for his combination of technical difficulty and artistic presentation. He was especially noted for his jumping ability, including quadruple jumps, and for programs that emphasized speed and control.

He competed for Russia at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships, earning Olympic gold in Turin in 2006 and earning medals at other Olympics and major events. His competitive record also includes multiple World Championship titles and European titles, which established him as a dominant force in men's figure skating for more than a decade. He was trained by coach Alexei Mishin and became one of the sport’s most recognizable figures during his competitive years.

After retiring from competition in 2016, Plushenko remained active in the sport through show skating tours, coaching, and the development of youth skaters. He has been involved in skating programs and activities in Russia, and has continued to contribute to the sport as a mentor and public figure. Plushenko’s impact on figure skating is marked by his longevity, technical innovation, and influence on subsequent generations of skaters.